Benchmarking test
To test whether the benchmarking system helps to reach sustainable stock levels, we have run an analysis where the fishing limits are adapted every five years.
Do regular benchmark assessments help improve management to sustainability? Is a more precautionary approach more resilient?
Please select the scenarios:
- RCP 8.5, lim. prod., Fmsy * 50%
- RCP 8.5, lim. prod., Fmsy * 75%
- RCP 8.5, lim. prod., Fmsy * 100%
Compared to the previous exercise, where even the lowest fishing pressure failed to reach for longer time periods sustainable stock levels, the benchmarking system results in a higher spawning stock biomass reaching in the beginning of the assessed time period levels above the respective MSY Btrigger (except for the 100 % scenario). A more precautionary approach e.g. the 50 % scenario, does in fact lead to a higher SSB, thus it can be considered as more climate-resilient. But to the end of the century all scenarios show a decreasing trend.
Note that in this model only a limited productivity is incorporated, as we assume it better reflects the current situation.